SAi initiates collaborative artificial intelligence research project with Oxford University

May 08, 2019

SAi’s collaborative project with Oxford University will explore the possibility of developing an AI-assisted software solution to aid sign & display companies

SAi, the leading provider of software solutions for the signmaking, digital printing and CNC machining industries, has announced that it is partnering with Oxford University in the UK, to undertake a three-year research project that will explore the possibility of developing an artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted software solution. If the project is successful, this would be the first AI-tool of its kind within the sign industry.

During the initial stage, researchers from the university’s Department of Engineering Science will use aggregate data to determine the common trends and behavior of sign designers. If clear patterns emerge, a software which aids large format print providers and sign & display companies when designing signage, could be brought to market in the future.

The potential to streamline workflow and reduce costs

In line with SAi’s ethos of value-added solutions, the project follows an increased demand from large format print providers and signmakers to reduce the time spent at the design stage. The software envisaged by the project could serve to inspire designers with suggestions, including best practice fonts, images and layouts, that the AI tool is trained to provide. Beyond this, it could reduce the time and cost restraints currently faced by large format print providers and sign shops.

“We are very excited about the potential of this AI research as it represents another move to bring new technologies to the sign industry. After all, pushing the frontiers of innovation to develop tools that will make the lives of our customers easier, is what SAi is all about,” says Gudrun Bonte, Vice President of Product Management at SAi.

“Businesses are often compromised by the time-consuming design phase, with very little of the costs transferred to their customers. With AI, print providers and sign shops may also be able to recruit designers from a wider pool of applicants. This will secure more time and resources to dedicate to increasing their profit margins and revenue streams,” she concludes.